Dr. Yvette P. Richardson
Associate Professor, Department of Meteorology, PennStateUniversity
515 Walker, University Park, PA16802
Phone: (814) 863-0791
E-mail:
Education
Ph.D. in Meteorology, University of Oklahoma, 1999
Dissertation Title: The Influence of Horizontal Variations in Vertical Shear and Low-Level Moisture on Numerically Simulated Convective Storms
Advisor: Kelvin K. Droegemeier
M.S. in Meteorology, University of Oklahoma, 1993
Thesis Title: Verification of NMC Short-Range Models Using Wind Profiler Data
Advisor: Frederick H. Carr
B.S. in Physics, University of Wisconsin, River Falls, 1990
Professional Appointments
Associate Professor, Penn State University, 2008-present
Assistant Professor, Penn State University, 2002-2008
Research Scientist, University of Oklahoma, 2000-2001
Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Oklahoma 1998-2000
Graduate Research Assistant, University of Oklahoma, 1990-1998
ECOLE D’ETE DE PHYSIQUE THEORIQUE, NATO Advanced Study Institute on Computational Fluid Dynamics, Les Houches France, Summer 1993
Summer Institute on Atmospheric Science, NASAGoddardSpaceFlightCenter, GreenbeltMD, 1989
Research Interests
Theoretical Severe Storm Dynamics, Cloud and Mesoscale Modeling, Fluid Mechanics, Radar Observations of Thunderstorms and Tornadoes, Convective Initiation
Research Grants
“Using the Second Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX2) Observations and Idealized Simulations to Understand the Lifecycle of Tornadoes”, $1,076,764, PI w/Markowski, NSF, 2012-2015
“Collaborative Research: Multi-scale and multi-platform study of tornadoes, supercell thunderstorms, and their environments in VORTEX2”, $964,389 for PSU, PI for PSU, NSF, 2008-2012
Supplement to "Collaborative Research: VORTEX2--Multi-Scale and Multi-Platform Study of Tornadoes, Supercell Thunderstorms, and Their Environments", $49,870., 2009-2010
“Collaborative Research: Data Assimilation Analysis of the Boundary Layer and Convection Initiation During International H2O Project (IHOP)”, $329,763 for PSU, PI for PSU, 2007-2010
“Collaborative Research: Study of the Genesis, Evolution, Structure, and Dynamic Climatology of Tornadoes and Their Environments”, $510,000 for PSU, PI for PSU, NSF, 2005-2008
“Improvement of Fine-mesh Numerical Meteorological Modeling”, $488,000, co-PI, NSF, 2004-2007
“Collaborative Research: Doppler on Wheels International H2O Project Participation and Studies of Convective Initiation”, $298,459 for PSU, Project PI, NSF, 2002-2006
"Dynamics of Rotation and Scale Selection in Deep Convective Storms", $472,935, co-PI, NSF, 2000-2004
“The Pennsylvania Area Mobile Radar Experiment”, $45,000, PI, Deike Research Grant, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Penn State University, 2003-2006
National and International Service
American Meteorological Society (AMS) Councilor, 2013-present
AMS Beacon, 2012-present
AMS Battan Book Award K-12 Selection Committee, 2012-present
AMS Ad-hoc Committee on Statements, 2013-present
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Governance Task Group (GTG), 2012-present
American Meteorological Society (AMS) Science and Technology Activities Commission (STAC) Mesoscale Committee, 2012-present
Associate Editor, Monthly Weather Review, 2010-present
NCAR Observing Facilities Assessment Panel (OFAP), Co-Chair, 2010-present
UCAR President’s Advisory Committee on University Relations (PACUR), 2010-present (Chair, 2013-present)
PACUR subcommittee for non-core proposal review, 2012-present
University of Wisconsin-River Falls Physics Advisory Board, 2013-present
NationalCenter for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Director Search Committee, 2013
Program Committee for the 2013 European Conference on Severe Storms, 2012-2013
AMS Board on Women and Minorities, 2010-2013
Scientific Consultant for Giant Screen Films IMAX movie Tornado Alley and accompanying educational material, 2011-2012
Organizing Committee for the Weather Ready Nation Research Agenda workshop, Birmingham, AL, April 2012
AMS Annual Meeting Oversight Committee (AMOC), 2009-2012
Invited Briefer, U.S. Congress Natural Hazards Caucus, 2011
National Science Foundation (NSF) external review panel for the NCAR Research Applications Laboratory (RAL), 2011
Invited Participant, NCEP/NSF Weather Ready Nation workshop, 2011
VORTEX2 Steering Committee Member, 2003-2010
UCAR review panel for the NationalCenter for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Aviation Weather Center (AWC) and Storm Prediction Center (SPC), 2008-2010
Scientific Consultant and featured scientist for the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry permanent display Science Storms, 2009
Invited participant, NAS BASC Summer Study workshop on “Progress and Priorities of U.S. Weather Research and Research-to-Operations Activities,” 2009
Invited Reviewer, National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (BASC) report, “Observing Weather and Climate from the Ground Up: A Nationwide Network of Networks,” 2008
AMS STAC Committee on Severe Local Storms, (2003-2008; Chair, 2004-2008)
NSF Atmospheric Sciences Supercomputing Advisory Panel, 2007-2008
Program Chair for the 22nd AMS Conference on Severe Local Storms, 2004
Conference Program Committees:
AMS Conference on Mesoscale Processes 2013
European Conference on Severe Storms, 2013
AMS Symposium on Challenges in Severe Local Storm, 2006
AMS Douglas Lilly Symposium, 2006
23rd AMS Conference on Severe Local Storms, 2006
22nd AMS Conference on Severe Local Storms, 2004
AMS 21st Conference on Severe Local Storms, 2002
Conference session chair or co-chair:
26th Conference on Severe Local Storms, 2012
25th Conference on Severe Local Storms, 2010
John Wyngaard Symposium, 2010
AMS Douglas Lilly Symposium, 2006
AMS Symposium on Challenges in Severe Local Storms, 2006
22nd Conference on Severe Local Storms, 2004
2nd International H2O Project Workshop, 2004
31st Conference on Radar Meteorology, 2003
21st Conference on Severe Local Storms, 2002
20th Conference on Severe Local Storms, 2000
AMS Ad-hoc Committee on Statements, 2005
Associate Editor, AMS Journal Monthly Weather Review, 2003-2004
Invited Visiting Scientist, Storm Prediction Center Spring Program 2004
AMS Summer Policy Colloquium, 2001
Instructor and ‘Hands-On’ Course Developer, AMS Short Course ‘Introduction to Meteorological Instrumentation and Observation’, Jan. 2001
Member, American Meteorological Society, 2000-present
Local Service
PennsylvaniaStateUniversity (PSU) Department of Meteorology Faculty Search Committee, 2012-2013
PSU Department of Meteorology Candidacy Evaluation Committee, 2013-present
PSU Department of Meteorology Undergraduate Programs (UGAP) committee, 2008-present (chair, 2008-2012)
PSU Department of Meteorology, Opportunities Committee, 2002-present
College of Earth and Mineral Sciences Ad hoc Committee on Infrastructure, 2009
PSU Department of Meteorology Ad hoc Committee on Renovations, 2007-2008
PSU Department of MeteorologyAd hoc Committee on Facilities, 2005-2006
PSU Department of Meteorology Ad hoc Committee on Undergraduate Laboratory Classes, 2005-2006
PSU Department of Meteorology Ad hoc General Education Committee, 2004
PSUCollege of Earth and Mineral Sciences Faculty Advisory Committee, 2003-2006
Faculty Participant in the Total Orientation to Earth and Mineral Sciences (TOTEMS), 3-Day Retreat for Incoming Freshman, 2003
Other Honors, Awards and Service
Deike Research Grant, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, 2003
Patricia Roberts Harris Fellowship, University of Oklahoma, 1992-1996
Chairperson, Student Affairs Committee, School of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma, 1993-1994
School of Meteorology Representative to Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society, 1993
University of Oklahoma Student Representative to Annual Meeting of the National Association of Graduate and Professional Students, WashingtonD.C., 1992
School of Meteorology Representative to Graduate Student Senate, University of Oklahoma, 1992-1993
Student Representative on GraduateCollege Academic Appeals Board, University of Oklahoma, 1992
Centennial Research Assistantship, University of Oklahoma, 1990-1992
President, Society of Physics Students, University of Wisconsin, River Falls, 1989-1990
3M Undergraduate Research Grant, 1988
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Sigma Pi Sigma (Physics) Honor Society
Senior Special Academic Honors (equivalent to Summa Cum Laude), University of Wisconsin, RiverFalls, 1990
Wisconsin Jaycees ‘Outstanding Young Adult’ award ‘in recognition of outstanding leadership and community service’ (one of six in the state of Wisconsin), 1987
Dean’s List, University of Wisconsin, River Falls, 1986-1990
Numerous Undergraduate Merit Scholarships, 1986-1990
Invited Talks
Richardson, Y. 2013: WeatherBrains interview. Available at
Richardson, Y. 2013: The effects of environmental heterogeneity on convective storms. Workshop on “How cities modify their environment: The hydrometeorological implications of extensive urbanization.” PrincetonUniversity
Richardson, Y. 2013: Recent developments in our understanding of tornadic storms. 7th European Conference on Severe Storms. Helsinki, Finland.
Richardson, Y. 2013: Tornado maintenance and demise in the Goshen County, Wyoming supercell of 5 June 2009 intercepted by VORTEX2. National Weather Service Webinar.
Richardson, Y. 2013: Our understanding of tornadic storms from initiation to tornado maintenance based on theory,numerical modeling, and field observations. Workshop on Severe Convection and Climate. ColumbiaUniversity (Lamont-Doherty Campus)
Richardson, Y.P., 2012: Ground-based mobile radars. NSF Community Workshop on Radar Technologies. Boulder, CO.
Richardson, Y.P., 2012: Disciplinary Group A report. Weather Ready Nation Research Agenda Workshop, Birmingham, AL.
Richardson, Y.P., 2011: Panel: Improving NOAA forecasts and warnings for severe weather. Weather Ready Nation, A Vital Conversation Workshop, Norman, OK
Richardson, Y.P., 2011: Tornadoes: Increasing our understanding through basic science. Public briefing of the Congressional Hazards Caucus, U.S. Congress, Washington, D.C.
Richardson, Y.P., 2011: VORTEX2: Scientific motivation and summary of the field phase. PurdueUniversity Seminar Series, West Lafayette, IN
Richardson, Y.P., 2011: VORTEX2: Scientific motivation and summary of the field phase. National Storm Chaser Convention, Denver, CO.
Richardson, Y.P., 2011: Panel: Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment 2 (VORTEX2) update session. AMS Student Conference, Seattle, WA.
Richardson, Y.P., 2010: The VORTEX2 field project: Motivation, strategies, and highlights from Year 1. IowaStateUniversity, Ames, Iowa.
Richardson, Y.P., 2010: Tornadic storms: Our current understanding and remaining puzzles for VORTEX2. National Weather Association 14th Annual Severe Storms and Doppler Radar Conference, West Des Moines, Iowa.
Richardson, Y.P., 2010: VORTEX2: Highlights from Year 1. NationalWeatherServiceState College Office Warm Season Workshop, State College, PA.
Richardson, Y.P., and P.M. Markowski, 2010 (joint presentation): VORTEX2 highlights. Penn State University Department of Meteorology 75th Anniversary Celebration, University Park, PA.
Richardson, Y.P., 2010: A history of storm-scale research using idealized modeling at the University of Oklahoma. University of OklahomaSchool of Meteorology 50th Anniversary. Norman, OK.
Richardson, Y.P., and P.M. Markwoski, 2010: VORTEX2 Highlights. Penn State University Department of Meteorology Frank Talks Series. University Park, PA.
Numerous media interviews regarding VORTEX2, including The Washington Post, Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, NBC VORTEX2 special, The Collegian, The Weather Channel (multiple), NSF Science Nation, Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, featured scientist in VORTEX2: Making a Difference produced by The Weather Channel, The Centre Daily Times, UCAR magazine, Weather World, Austin News (KXAN), Discovery channel, WPSU, Popular Science, and Scientific American.
Richardson, Y.P., 2009: VORTEX2: The VORTEX2 field project: Motivation, strategies, and highlights from Year 1. College of DuPage Severe Weather Symposium, Downers Grove, IL.
Richardson, Y.P, 2009: VORTEX2: The Second Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment. MillersvilleUniversity Chapter of the American Meteorology Society Russell L. DeSouza Banquet, Millersville, PA.
Richardson, Y.P., 2009: Tornadogenesis: Our current understanding and unanswered questions for VORTEX2. 13th Annual Northern Plains Weather Workshop, Rapid City, SD.
Richardson, Y.P., and P.M. Markowski, 2009 (joint presentation):VORTEX2: The Second Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment. Pennsylvania State University Department of Meteorology Spring Banquet, State College, PA.
Richardson, Y.P, 2009.: Tornadogenesis: Our current understanding and unanswered questions for VORTEX2. Kansas City AMS Chapter Meeting, Kansas City, MO.
Richardson, Y.P, 2009.: Tornadogenesis: Our current understanding and unanswered questions for VORTEX2. Omaha/Offutt AMS Chapter Meeting, Omaha, NE.
Richardson, Y.P, 2009.: Tornadogenesis: Our current understanding and unanswered questions for VORTEX2. University of Nebraska – Lincoln Department of Geosciences Seminar Series, Lincoln, NE.
Richardson, Y.P., 2008: Tornadogenesis: Current understanding and unanswered questions. JuniataCollege physics department seminar series.
Richardson, Y.P., and P.M. Markowski, 2008 (joint presentation): VORTEX2: The Second Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment. The National Academies Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate Forum on Cutting Edge Research & Development in the Observation, Understanding, and Prediction of Severe Weather.
Richardson, Y.P., and P.M. Markowski, 2008: Overview of VORTEX2 for Town Hall Meeting. 24th AMS Conference on Severe Local Storms, Savannah, GA.
Richardson, Y.P., 2008: Understanding severe storms through numerical simulations and mobile radar observations. University of Wisconsin Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences colloquium series, Madison, Wisconsin.
Richardson, Y.P., and P.M. Markowski, 2008: Convective-storm research at PennState. NationalWeatherCenter seminar series and colloquium, Norman, OK.
Richardson, Y.P., 2008: Convective-storm research at PennState. National Weather Service Warm Season Convective Workshop, State College.
Richardson, Y.P., 2008: VORTEX2: The second verification of the origin of rotation in tornadoes experiment. National Weather Service Media Workshop, State College.
Richardson, Y.P., 2007: Interview for “Weatherworld” television show. Pennsylvania Cable Network.
Richardson, Y.P., 2007: Convective Storms: What happens when the environment changes in space or time? National Weather Service Warm Season Workshop, State College.
Richardson, Y.P., 2006: “Conversations with Professionals”, Amer. Meter. Soc. Student Conference, Atlanta, GA.
Richardson, Y.P., 2006: Theoretical aspects of severe local storm dynamics. Doug Lilly Symposium, Atlanta, GA, Amer. Meteor. Soc.
Richardson, Y., 2005: Studies of severe storms and convection initiation using mobile Doppler radar. University of North Dakota Seminar Series, September, 2005.
Richardson, Y.P., 2003: Understanding severe storms through theory, modeling, and observations, 3rd Symposium of the Atmospheric Sciences, California University of Pennsylvania; April, 2003 (keynote speaker)
Richardson, Y.P., 2002: Panel Discussion on Career Opportunities in Meteorology, Northeastern Severe Storms Conference, LyndonState College, Lyndonville, Vermont. (panel member)
Richardson, Y.P., P. Markowski, K. Davis, S. Richardson, 2002: The International H2O Project: It’s not about pancakes”, Penn State Department of Meteorology Colloquium Series. (jointly presented by all authors)
Richardson, Y.P., 2001: The International H2O Project, University of Oklahoma Student Chapter of the AMS, Norman, Oklahoma.
D. Schultz, L. Dilling, S. Richardson, Y. Richardson, R. Schneider, M. Shafer, 2001: What we did on our summer break: The AMS summer policy colloquium. University of Oklahoma Seminar Series (jointly presented by all authors)
D. Schultz, L. Dilling, S. Richardson, Y. Richardson, R. Schneider, M. Shafer, 2001: What we did on our summer break: The AMS summer policy colloquium. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Severe Storms Laboratory Seminar Series (jointly presented by all authors)
Richardson, Y.P., 2001: Understanding Severe Storms through Numerical Simulation and Observation”, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) StormPredictionCenter, Norman, Oklahoma.
Richardson, Y.P., 2000: Understanding Severe Storms through Numerical Simulation and Observation”, Penn State University Department of Meteorology Colloquium, University Park, Pennsylvania.
Richardson, Y.P., 2000: The influence of horizontal variations in vertical shear and low-level moisture on numerically simulated convective storms. NASAGoddardSpaceFlightCenter, Greenbelt, MD.
Richardson, Y.P., 1999: The Influence of horizontal variations in vertical shear and moisture on numerically simulated convective storms, University of Oklahoma School of Meteorology, Norman, Oklahoma.
Field Program Experience
Second Phase of the Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX2), Co-coordinator for Mobile Mesonets, Steering Committee Member
PennsylvaniaMobile Radar Experiment (PAMREX), 2003-2004
International H2O Project (IHOP), PI for DOW Radars, 2002
Radar Observations of Thunderstorms and Tornadoes Experiment (ROTATE), 2000, 2001, 2004
Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment VORTEX (1994-1995) Co-Team Leader, Mobile CLASS
Teaching and Mentoring Experience
Graduate Student Advisees:
Alexandra Anderson-Frey, Ph.D., 2012-present
Alicia Klees, M.S. 2012-present
Ryan Hastings, M.S. Fall, 2009; Ph.D., 2013
Tim Hatlee (co-advisor), M.S. 2012
Jim Marquis, M.S., 2005; Ph.D. 2010
Benjamin Scarino, M.S., 2010
Zack Byko (co-advisor), M.S. Spring 2007
Brian Monahan, M.S. Fall , 2006
Pete Mangione (non-thesis), M.S. Fall, 2005
Nettie Arnott, M.S. Spring, 2004
Jackie Kost, M.S. Spring, 2004
Jeff Kron, M.S. Summer, 2004
Mentor for and creator of the Society for Women in Meteorology at PSU
Courses Taught (PennStateUniversity):
METEO 411: Introduction to Synoptic Lab (Fall 2002, 2003, 2004)
METEO 414: Mesoscale Meteorology (Spring 2004, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, Fall 2009, 2010, 2013)
METEO 431: Atmospheric Thermodynamics (Fall 2008)
METEO 480W: Undergraduate Research (Spring 2006)
METEO 497/597: Introduction to Radar Analysis and Observations (Fall 2003,2004, Spring 2004, 2005)
New course designed to give students hands-on experience operating mobile radars, collecting and analyzing their data, and reporting the results. Required many hours in the field during the 8-week IOP and many hours organizing the logistics of the field experiment.
METEO 529: Mesoscale Dynamics (Spring 2006, 2009, 2011; Fall 2012)
METEO 538: Atmospheric Convection (Fall 2007, Spring 2010, Spring 2014)
METEO 574: Atmospheric Dynamics Seminar (Fall 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, Spring 2005, 2006 ,2007, 2008)
Courses Taught (University of Oklahoma):
METR 1004: Introduction to Meteorology (Fall 1998; Spring 1999, 2000)
METR 1014: Weather and Climate (Fall 1999)
METR 2413: Introduction to Synoptic Meteorology (Spring 1999)
METR 2603: Severe and Unusual Weather (Spring 2000)
METR 3613: Meteorological Measurements (Fall 1998,1999)
METR 5413: Advanced Synoptic Meteorology (Spring 1999)
Faculty participant in "Adopt-a-Faculty" program (Fall 2000, Spring 2001)
UNIV 1210: Freshman Mentoring (Fall 1999, Fall 2000)
Teaching Assistant/Instructor, Severe and Unusual Weather, 1996
Co-mentor, Research Experience for Undergraduates, University of Oklahoma, 1991
Books Published
Markowski and Richardson, 2010: Mesoscale Meteorology in Midlatitudes, Wiley-Blackwell, 407pp.
Magazine Articles
Markowski, P., and Y. Richardson, 2013: How to Make a Tornado. Weatherwise, July/August, 12-19.
Op-Eds
Markowski, P. H. Brooks, Y. Richardson, R. Trapp, J. Allen, and N. Diffenbaugh, 2013: The real truth about tornadoes. LiveScience.
Refereed Journal Publications
Nowotarski, P. M., Y. P. Richardson, G. H. Bryan, 2014: Properties of a simulated convective boundary layer in an idealized supercell thunderstorm environment. Monthly Weather Review, in review.
Bluestein, J.B., R.M. Rauber, D.W. Burgess, B. Albrecht, S.M. Ellis, Y.P. Richardson, D.P. Jorgensen, S.J. Frasier, P. Chilson, R.D. Palmer, S.E. Yuter, W.C. Lee, D.C. Dowell, P.L. Smith, P.M. Markowski, K. Friedrich, and T.M. Weckwerth, 2014: Summary of the 2012 National Science Foundation Community Workshop on Radar Technologies. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., in review.
Skinner; P.S., C. C. Weiss, M. M. French, H. B. Bluestein, P. M. Markowsk,; Y. P. Richardson, 2014. VORTEX2 observationsof a low-level mesocyclone with multiple internal rear-flank downdraft momentum surges in the 18 May 2010, Dumas, Texas supercell. Mon. Wea. Rev., accepted pending revision.
Schultz, D. M., Y. P. Richardson, P. Markowski, C. Doswell III, 2014: Tornadoes in the central United States and the “Clash of the Air Masses.” Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., in review.
*Marquis, J.M., Y. Richardson, P. Markowski, D. Dowell, J. Wurman, K. Kosiba, and P. Robinson, 2014: An investigation of the Goshen County, Wyoming, tornadic supercell of 5 June 2009 using EnKF assimilation of mobile mesonet and radar observations collected during VORTEX2. Part I: Experiment design and verification of the EnKF analyses. Monthly Weather Review, 142, 530-554.
Markowski, P.M., and Y.P. Richardson, 2014: The influence of environmental low-level shear and cold pools on tornadogenesis: Insights from idealized simulations. J. Atmos. Sci, 71, 243-275.
Yuter, S.E., M.A. Miller, M.D. Parker, P.M. Markowski, Y. Richardson, H. Brooks, and J.M. Straka, 2013: Comment on “Why do tornadoes and hailstorms rest on weekends?” J. Geophys. Res., 118, 7332-7338.
Kosiba, K., J. Wurman, Y. Richardson, P. Markowski, P. Robinson, and J. Marquis, 2013: Genesis of the Goshen County, Wyoming tornado on 05 June 2009 during VORTEX2. Monthly Weather Review, 141. 1157-1181.
Buban, M., C. Ziegler, E. Mansell, and Y. Richardson, 2012: Simulation of dryline misovortex dynamics and cumulus formation. Monthly Weather Review, 11, 3525-3551.
*Marquis, J., Y. Richardson, P. Markowski, D. Dowell, and J. Wurman, 2012: Tornado maintenance investigated with high-resolution dual-Doppler and EnKF analysis. Monthly Weather Review, 140, 3-27.
Markowski, P.M., Y.P. Richardson, J. Marquis, J. Wurman, K. Kosiba, P. Robinson, D. Dowell, E. Rasmussen, and R. Davies-Jones, 2012: The pretornadic phase of the Goshen County, Wyoming, supercell of 5 June 2009 intercepted by VORTEX2. Part I: Evolution of kinematic and surface thermodynamic fields. Monthly Weather Review, 140, 2887-2915.